Vice President Uz Hussain Mohamed Latheef has cautioned that personal attacks and political hostility pose a serious threat to societal unity and the nation’s social fabric.

In a statement shared on X, he emphasised the importance of professionalism in political discourse, urging political parties to set a positive example for the public. He stated that fostering mutual respect and upholding societal dignity are essential foundations for building a stable and prosperous nation.

His remarks came in response to a controversial incident during an opposition demonstration organised by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Protests have been ongoing in Malé since March 7, but tensions escalated on March 12, when a party member, Mariam Zubair, commonly known as Mandhy allegedly directed harmful language at President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s son.

The allegations prompted a strong response from President Dr Muizzu’s family, who categorically denied the claims and condemned what they described as a baseless verbal attack against a minor. In a statement, the family expressed their dismay at the use of abusive language, emphasising the need to protect children from political hostilities.

Amid the growing controversy, lawyer Uza Azima Shakoor, speaking on behalf of the President’s family at Dhimyaath today, announced that First Lady Madam Sajidha Mohamed intends to file a civil lawsuit against both Mandhy and MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail.